I'm on a long-term hiatus from motorcycles at the moment after getting sideswiped by an SUV a few years ago. I was traveling at about 40MPH and had a "high-side" get-off, landed on my right side and face, then had my 300lb motorcycle strike me as I was sliding.

Sounds likely to result in serious injury that requires physical therapy to relearn walking and possibly some reconstructive surgery, right? Well, thanks modern protective gear, I still have a face, and the only injuries that I had were a minor and rather rare internal injury akin to a bruise that required no medical intervention, a sprained ankle, and an abrasion about the size of a nickel on my arm that was treated with some ointment and a bandaid (at a criminally inflated price).

Modern helmets and protective gear are incredible. I provided my experience in the hope that it gives you more hope. They make the stuff for skateboarding and bicycling the same way, for the most part (heavy, kevlar mesh is a bit impractical and unnecessary at the lower speeds). It can keep you safe, as long as you use the safety gear between your ears.